Portable medical station

ABSTRACT

At least one embodiment is a portable medical station comprising a main body, which is disposed at least partially inside of a bag. Coupled to the main body is at least one tray and a plurality of handles. There are also a plurality of screens coupled to the main body and at least one computer coupled to the main body, wherein the portable medical station is foldable inside of the bag so that the portable medical station is movable while being substantially folded inside of the bag.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application that hereby claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/488,735 filed onApr. 22, 2017, and also from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/488,048 filed on Apr. 20, 2017, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a portable medicalstation configured to be collapsible into a single unit or which iscapable of folding out into a more expansive station. It is believedthat there is a need for a portable medical station that is configuredto have multiple different screens and multiple different portabledevices coupled to the portable medical station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least one embodiment of the invention is a portable medical stationcomprising a main body, which is disposed at least partially inside of abag. Coupled to the main body is at least one tray and a plurality ofhandles. There are also a plurality of screens coupled to the main bodyand at least one computer coupled to the main body, wherein the portablemedical station is foldable inside of the bag so that the portablemedical station is movable while being substantially folded inside ofthe bag.

In at least one embodiment, the tray is rotatable about a hinge whereinthe tray is foldable out from, or back into the main body. In at leastone embodiment, there are a plurality of screens which comprise a firstscreen which is configured as a video screen coupled to the computer,and a second screen comprising a data readout screen coupled to thecomputer.

In at least one embodiment there is a spring configured to assist in theopening of the medical station from a bag.

In at least one embodiment, the main body comprises a frame which can bemade from any material, but in at least one embodiment is aluminum.

In at least one embodiment, there is at least one peripheral devicewherein the peripheral device can be any one of a stethoscope athermometer, an ultrasound device, at least one camera, at least onespeaker, and/or at least one blood pressure monitor.

In at least one embodiment, there is a plurality of arms extending outfrom the main body wherein a first end of the arms are coupled to themain body and a second end of the plurality of arms are coupled to thetray.

For example, the process can include opening a bag, and then removing atleast one scale from the bag. Next the process can include pulling ahandle and unfolding a tray from the bag. When the handle is pulled aspring such as a gas spring can be used to assist in the opening of thedevice from the bag. The tray can be rotated about a hinge and thenlocked in place. Supporting the tray are a plurality of arms extendingup from the main body of the device. These plurality of arms can belocked in place via locks. Next, the user can raise at least one screenup and out from the bag. The screen can be rotated about a hinge andthen locked in place by rotating a plurality arms out to a lockedposition. Next a main body can be raised up thereby raising a pluralityof peripheral devices up and out from the bag. At least one camera canbe placed upon a viewing position such as on top of a screen so that aremote medical professional can view a patient in a remote location.There can also be a process for collapsing the different devices intothe bag as well. For example, the handles can be collapsed into the bagby pressing on one or more spring loaded detents. Next, the tray can becollapsed into the main body by pressing on at least one lever, whichcauses the plurality of locks to concurrently unlock the arms. Thiscauses the tray to collapse into the main body. Next, the screen can berotated down and collapsed into the main body and the main body can bepressed into the remainder of the bag. Finally, the scale can bereinserted into at least one pocket on the bag as well to create acompletely collapsed medical station.

Thus, this compact, portable device is configured to be connected to orconnectable to multiple different peripheral devices while also beinghighly transportable as well. This device then allows medicalprofessionals to conduct a relatively thorough exam on an individual.The camera in the system allows for remote medical professionals tointerview and see a patient from a remote location as well.

With this design, full communication can be made between the patient andmedical professionals who may be remote from this location. Therefore,it allows for a portable medical office to be transported within astandard sized bag such as a standard sized carry on bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings which disclose at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawingsare designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as adefinition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the device with a front flap on the coverfolded down;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device in an expanded form;

FIG. 3 is a front-right side perspective view of the device in anexpanded form;

FIG. 4 is a front-left side perspective view of the device in anexpanded form;

FIG. 5 is a front-left side perspective view of the device in anexpanded form;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the device in an expanded form;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device in a collapsed form;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of some of the electrical componentscoupled to the device;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the device without the screens;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the device without the screens

FIG. 11 is a front-right side view of the device without the screens;

FIG. 12 is a front collapsed view of the device with the screens;

FIG. 13 is a side collapsed view of the device;

FIG. 14 is a top front perspective view of the device;

FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of a portable medicaldevice;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 18 is a view of the portable medical station positioned inside of abag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front view of the device 10which shows a main section 12 having a plurality of differentcomponents. For example, there is shown at least one peripheral device14 which can be configured as a ultrasound gauge. In addition, there isa first screen 16 which is configured to provide data to a user such asa medical professional. This first screen 16 is configured to have datareadouts such as readouts from an EKG shown on this screen. In addition,there is a second or additional screen 18 as well. This screen 18 isconfigured as a more standard computer and or television screen whichcan be in the form of a standard LED or LCD screen. In addition, thereare also a plurality of handles such as handles 20 and 22. These handles20 and 22 are shown in a collapsed manner in FIG. 1, but are shown in anexpanded form in FIGS. 2-6. Handle 20 is a first back handle and iscollapsible in a telescoping manner. Handle 22 is a second handlepositioned in an intermediate position between screen 18 and handle 20and which allows for the control of the device when it is being draggedor rolled around. The second handle together with the first handleprovides additional stability for the device and prevent it fromtoppling over when it is being dragged or pulled. In addition, there isshown a substantially U-shaped frame 25 which can be made from anysuitable material but in this example is made of metal. In addition,there is shown an additional peripheral device 26 which comprises anannunciator or speaker for allowing individuals to speak through thisspeaker.

A further peripheral device 28 is also shown, showing a stethoscopewhich is also coupled to a main computing element which is stored insideof a housing behind main screen 16. Much of the device resides in alower section 30 which is disposed normally inside of a bag such as bag32.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the device 10 which shows bag 32 with thedevice being expanded out of the bag. There is a screen 18 which isshown expanded up out of the bag, and a data screen 16 which is alsoshown expanded up out of the bag as well. Handles 20 and 22 are shownextending above screen 18. An additional screen 38 is shown coupled toperipheral device/ultrasound 14. Screen 16 is shown below these devicesas well. All of these components are coupled to a central computer ormain computer 80 (See FIG. 8).

FIG. 3 is a front-side perspective view of the device 10. As shown inthis view there are handles 20 and 22 which are shown extended up abovethe screen 18. An additional screen 38 is shown below screen 18. A backtray 40 is shown extending out from the back face of the device 10. Backtray 40 is supported by arms such as arm 43. The screen 18 is supportedby arms which are rotatable about a hinge 54. The arm supporting screen18 is arm 56 shown in greater detail in FIG. 6 and extends up to hinge58. Hinge 58 is coupled to screen 18 as well. As shown in this view, aframe 25 is shown positioned between screen 18 and screen 16. Thisdevice is positioned inside of a bag 32 having a handle 33.

FIG. 4 is a front left side perspective view of the device 10 showinghandles 20 and 22. These handles 20 and 22 are telescoping andcollapsible. For example, handle 20 includes a first section 20.1 a lock21, which includes spring loaded detents for selectively locking thecollapse of these arms such as the collapse of first section 20.1 intosecond section 20.2 These arms extend up opposite screen 18, and abovetray 40.

Tray 40 extends out opposite the extension of screen 18. Screen 16 sitsbelow screen 18 and sits opposite handles 20 and 22. Bag 32 is shownenclosing most of the lower section of the device 10 and this device 10includes wheels 70 as well.

FIG. 5 is a front left view of the device with the portable weight scale80 shown as well. Handles 20 and 22 are shown, as well as screens 16, 18and 38. Screen 38 is configured to show the results of the ultrasounddevice 14. Tray 40 is shown extending out from the back of the device.Frame 25 is shown connecting upper screen 18 to lower screen 16.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the device 10. In this view, there is shownhandles 20 and 22 which each have selective locks 21 and 23 forselectively allowing these handles 20 and 22 to collapse. Each of theselocks 21 and 23 are configured as spring loaded detents that whenpinched in allow the handles to collapse. Screen 18 is shown extendingup and connected to the main body via arm 56 and hinge 58. Arm 56 iscoupled to frame 25. Back tray 40 is coupled to the main body via arms43, 46, and 47 which are selectively collapsible via locks such asspring loaded detents as well. In a region near the end of arm 43 is ahinge 45 which is coupled to tray 40. A lever 42 is shown positionedbelow tray 40 which when pressed, sets the locks to an open position forarms 43, 46, and 47, allowing tray 40 to collapse into the bag. A tab 44is also extending out from hinge 45. This hinge 45 is configured tounlock the locks when tripped by the lever 42 as well. This unlockingfeature allows for the rapid collapse of tray 40 into the body of thedevice.

FIG. 7 shows the device 10 in a collapsed state. In this view, thedevice is shown collapsed into a bag with scale 60, screen 18 handles22, and 20 as well as the other components collapsed into bag 32. Tray40 is shown folded back into a back side of bag 32. In this collapsedform, the device is easily transportable and movable about an office orbetween offices as well. In at least one embodiment of the invention,the bag is small enough to be used as a standard carry on sized typeluggage which allows this bag to be easily transported via air, rail, orauto.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the device which includes a main computer80 having a microprocessor 81, a memory 83, and a transceiver 85 allcoupled together on a motherboard such as motherboard 87. A plurality ofinput/output I/O connections (not shown) are available such as serial,USB, HDMI, VGA, are available for the connection of computer 80 to otherperipheral devices. For example, coupled to this computer 80 are screen16, screen 18, stethoscope 28, ear probe 93, thermometer 39.2, weightscale 60, speaker 26, camera/microphone 86, ultrasound 14, and bloodpressure monitor 82.

Thus, this compact device is configured to be connected to orconnectable to multiple different peripheral devices while also beinghighly transportable as well. This device then allows medicalprofessionals to conduct a relatively thorough exam on an individual.The camera in the system allows for remote medical professionals tointerview and see a patient from a remote location as well.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the device without screens. For example, thereis shown the device 10 with handle 20 shown. There is also shown a backplate 18.1 which is configured to support screen 18 as well. Handle 20has arms which are telescoping arms including a first section 20.1 asecond section 20.2. In addition, an opposite arm 27.1 is telescopinginto another section 27.2. Adjustable bolts 54.1 and 54.2 form arotatable hinge for back plate 18.1. Back plate 18.1 is coupled to thishinge via arms 56.1 and 56.2.

Frame 25 includes a rounded U-shaped cut out 25.1 and also has brackets25.2 and 25.3 coupled to it. These brackets are configured to holdperipheral devices. In addition, other brackets SO and 52 are coupled toframe 25 on an opposite side. Back tray 40 is shown extending outsubstantially horizontally from the rest of the device. Another backplate 16.1 is configured to support another screen such as screen 16.

A substantially rigid frame 34 is shown extending around a base section.This substantially rigid frame is substantially U-shaped and includes atleast one reinforcing track 36.

A plurality of column like arms 35 and 39 including parts 35.1 and 39.1as well as 35.2 and 39.2 are shown telescoping up into arms 35.4 and39.4 These arms are held in place with support brackets 35.3 and 39.3and 35.5 and 39.5 as well. At the bottom of the frame 34 is a housing 41which is positioned between wheels 70.

FIG. 10 is a side view of this embodiment. In this view, there is shownhandles 20 and 22 along with line 10 i which is a bisecting line. Line10 i is positioned between handles 20 and 22 so that these handles arepositioned so that they are on either side of bisecting line 1 Oi.Bisecting line 1 Oi bisects the bag and the device. Back plate 18.1 isshown coupled to hinge 58 which is coupled to arm 56. In addition, arms22 and 20 are shown as telescoping arms having locks 23 and 21 formed asspring loaded detents to allow these arms 22 and 20 to be selectivelycollapsed. For example, there is a first set of spring loaded detentsforming locks 21 and 23, along with a second set of detents forminglocks 23.1 and 21.1 as well. Furthermore, there is another set of locks23.2 and 21.2 as well. Additional lower handle sections 48 and 49 arealso shown as well.

Furthermore, a bracket 52 is shown extending out from frame 25 Frame 34is shown coupled to arms 47, 46, and 43 wherein these arms arecollapsible via locks such as locks 43.1. A button 42 is configured tocollapse all of these arms 43,46, and 47 into each other with a singlepress of this button which acts on tab 44 to unlock the locks andcollapse the arms. Under frame 34 is housing 41 which along with an armhousing 41.1 house arms 99.1, and 99.1 which are selectively locked inplace via lock 99.4 along with top handle 99.3. These arms extend outalong a substantially latitudinal axis 10 ii which is transverse orsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or bisecting axis10 i. Thus, handle 99 expands in a direction substantially perpendicularto the direction of expansion of handles 20 and 22.

The expansion of handle 99 allows for support of this device in asubstantially horizontal manner when the device is expanded so that thiscan serve to prevent any rotational movement resulting from too muchweight on tray 40 resulting in the device tipping over.

FIG. 11 also shows this handle 99 extending out from the back of thedevice as well. This view also shows handles 20 and 22, tray 40, plates18.1 and 16.1 Arms 27.1 and 27.2 are shown as telescoping arms whichcollapse into each other and brackets 25.5 25.4, 25.3, as well asbrackets SO, 52 and 53 are all coupled to frame 25. A track 37.1 isshown extending around the frame 34 in a U-shaped manner and coupled tobase plate 39.5. Base plate 39.5 is coupled to arms 35.2 and 39.2 aswell.

FIG. 12 shows a collapsed version of the device which shows screen 18which is coupled to screen plate 18.1 (not shown). A top rim 34.1 isshown coupled to frame 34 along a top edge 34.3 A power strip 95 extendssubstantially vertically, substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 1Oi. In this view tray 40 is shown along with main screen 16 which iscoupled to screen plate 16.1. A housing 39.1 for a thermometer is shownpositioned adjacent to screen 16. In addition, there are shown brackets35.3 and 39.3 which support arms 35.2 and 39.2 as well. Below frame 34is housing 41 which houses arm 99. Housing 41 is positioned between twowheels 70.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the device in a collapsed form showing housing39.1 as well as frame 34. There is also shown wheels 70 as well ashousing 41 positioned underneath frame 34. Additional housing 41.1 isshown housing the arms 99 as well.

FIG. 14 shows a top, front, side view of the device 10 which shows frame34 There is shown cross bar 34.5 which couples two sides of frame 34together to provide stability. In addition, there is shown an additionalbracket 59.1 which is coupled to frame 25 (See FIG. 9). This bracket canbe used to house a stethoscope or other type of peripheral device. Track37.1 is shown in frame 34 as well as well as bottom plate 39.5. Wheels70 are also shown coupled to frame 34.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the invention which relates to aportable mobile medical device or system 200. With this device there isa frame 201 which has a base 210 with a plurality of arms coupled to thebase. In addition, there is a tray 230 and a screen 260 coupled to thesearms. Inside of the tray or coupled to the tray 230 are a plurality ofelectronic and medical devices.

Coupled to base 210 is a power supply 211 which in one embodiment is atransformer configured to receive power from an outlet. In at leastanother embodiment, this power supply 211 is a battery pack andtransformer combination. Coupled to base 210 is a first hinge 221. Aspring such as a gas spring or piston 223 is coupled to hinge 221. Gasspring or piston 223 is configured to aid in the opening and closing ofthe device by biasing the station into an open position when a handle239 is pulled when the device is in a closed position. At an oppositeend to hinge 221 is another hinge 224. Arms 222 comprise arms 222.1 and222.2. Arm 222.1 is coupled at a first end to hinge 224 and at a secondend to hinge 229. Arm 222.1 is also coupled to a bracket 212 via hinge225. Bracket 212 is a triangular shaped bracket that has at least twohinges 225 and 226 coupled to it. Thus arm 222.1 is coupled at one endvia two different hinges 224 and 225. Arm 222.1 is thus angled so thatthe hinges 224 and 225 are offset from each other.

Arm 222.2 is coupled at one end to hinge 226 and at another end to hinge228. Hinge 226 is coupled to bracket 212. Hinge 228 is also coupled toanother substantially triangularly shaped bracket 243 as well. Bracket243 also has hinge 241 coupled to it as well as tray 230 coupled to itas well. Tray 230 is essentially in the form of a table when extendedout. While tray 230 is coupled at one end to bracket 243, it is coupledto another substantially triangularly shaped bracket 232 at another end.In addition, a handle 239 is coupled to bracket 243 as well.

A set of arms 240 comprising upper arms when the device is in anextended position extend out from bracket 243. Arms 240 comprise a firstset of arms 242 and a second set of arms 244 (See FIG. 16). Arms 240 arecoupled at a first end to hinge 241 and at a second end to hinge 245. Abracket 250 is coupled at a first end to hinge 245 and at a second endto screen 260.

In addition, there are a plurality of medical devices 270 coupled tobracket 232. These medical devices include a at least a central computer271, and a probe 272.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the device 200 which shows base 210 with arms222 and 227 extending up therefrom. Arms 227 comprise arms 227.1 and227.2 (See FIG. 17) wherein arms 227 are substantially identical to arms222. There is shown central computer 271 having a pull out keyboard271.2, and an on-off switch 271.3. Probe 272 is in communication withcentral computer 271 and is in communication with computer 271 in eithera wired or wireless manner.

This view also shows arms 242 and 244 extending up to bracket 250.Bracket 250 has a slot 252 which allows screen 260 to be moved up ordown.

FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of the device 200 which shows botharms 222 and 227. This view also shows central computer 270 having atouch screen panel 271.1 and an on-off switch 271.3. Probe 272 iscoupled to the central computer 270. In this view tray 234 is showncoupled to tray or table 230. Tray 234 has a plurality of containerssuch as a first container 235, a second container 236, a third container237, and a fourth container 238. Inside of each of these containers areperipheral medical devices such as a first peripheral medical device271.4, a second peripheral medical device 271.5 a third peripheralmedical n device 271.6 and a fourth peripheral medical device 271.7.These different peripheral medical devices can include any one of astethoscope, a thermometer, an ultrasound, a camera, a speaker and ablood pressure monitor.

A handle 239 is shown positioned adjacent to tray 234. As indicatedabove, when handle 239 is pulled up, it causes arms 222 and 224 torotate clockwise about hinges 221, 225 and 226 while tray 230 rotatescounter clockwise about hinge 229 away from arms 222 and 224. Meanwhilearms 240 including arms 242 and 244 rotate counter clockwise relative tohinge 241 thereby allowing for the opening of screen 260. Bracket 250 isrotatable about hinge 245 so that the screen can remain visible. Screen260 can be in the form of a tablet such as a tablet computer. The tabletcomputer can comprise a microprocessor, a microphone, speakers, a cameraand a screen.

In addition, coupled to arms 242 and 244 is an arm/cross beam 246 whichis coupled to arms 242 and 244 via a hinge 245. Screen 260 is slidablein a slot 252 so that the entire device can be expanded up or easilycollapsed down and then carried via handle 239. Base 210 then provides acover for the collapsed device. This device can be fit inside of a bagand even coupled to a bag as well. The bag can be configured to haverolling wheels as well.

FIG. 18 shows the collapsed version of the device 200 disposed inside ofa bag 300. The device is designed to either be transportable separatefrom a bag or collapsible inside of a bag. So that the device is easilyopenable and closable the device can rely on the spring such as gasspring 223 to either assist a user in opening up the device or closingthe device in a more controlled manner. For example, when the user pullson a handle in a direction shown by the arrow such as handle 239, thespring such as spring 223 is biased once it is moving to push open thearms 222 and 224 so as to raise up tray 230 and to allow for theextension of arms 240 so that the screen 260 and other components are israised up and out of a bag such as bag 300.

In all, the different embodiments of the invention provide for a mobile,collapsible transportable device which can be used to provide extensivemedical examinations to different personnel.

Accordingly, while at least one embodiment of the present invention havebeen shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes andmodifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable medical station comprising: a mainbody; a bag configured to selectively enclose at least a portion of themain body; a tray coupled to the main body; at least one handle coupledto the main body; at least one screen coupled to the main body; at leastone spring coupled to the main body, wherein said spring is configuredto aid in opening and closing said at least one computer into said bag;at least one computer coupled to the main body, wherein the portablemedical station is foldable inside of said bag so that the portablemedical station is movable while being substantially folded inside ofsaid bag.
 2. The portable medical station as in claim 1, furthercomprising a tray hinge, wherein said tray is foldable out from saidmain body via said tray hinge.
 3. The portable medical station as inclaim 1, wherein said plurality of screens comprises a first screenwhich is configured as a video screen coupled to said at least onecomputer, and a second screen comprising a data readout screen coupledto said at least one computer.
 4. The portable medical station as inclaim 1, wherein said plurality of handles comprises a plurality oftelescoping handles that are extendable out from said main body.
 5. Theportable medical station as in claim 1, wherein said at least one mainbody comprises a frame.
 6. The portable medical station as in claim 1,further comprising at least one peripheral device.
 7. The portablemedical station as in claim 1, wherein said at least one peripheraldevice comprises at least one stethoscope.
 8. The portable medicalstation as in claim 1, wherein said at least one peripheral devicecomprises at least one thermometer.
 9. The portable medical station asin claim 1, wherein said at least one peripheral device comprises anultrasound device.
 10. The portable medical station as in claim 1,wherein said at least one peripheral device comprises at least onecamera.
 11. The portable medical station as in claim 1, wherein said atleast one peripheral device comprises at least one speaker.
 12. Theportable medical station as in claim 1, wherein said at least oneperipheral device comprises at least one blood pressure monitor.
 13. Theportable medical station as in claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof arms extending out from said main body wherein a first end of saidplurality of arms are coupled to said main body and a second end of saidplurality of arms are coupled to said tray.
 14. The portable medicalstation as in claim 1, wherein said at least one screen comprises atablet computer.